why are chicken coops off the ground

Why Are Chicken Coops Often Built Off The Ground?

If you’ve seen photos of chicken coops or been around backyard chickens, you may have noticed that many chicken coops are elevated off the ground rather than sitting directly on the soil. There are several good reasons why elevating a chicken coop can be beneficial. In this article, we’ll explore the top reasons chicken coops are frequently built off the ground and the advantages this can provide.

Predator Protection

One of the biggest reasons coops are built off the ground is to protect the chickens from predators Ground predators like foxes, raccoons, weasels, and coyotes can’t access elevated coops as easily If a coop sits directly on the ground with gaps or weaknesses in the floor or walls, predators may be able to dig or chew their way in.

Elevating the coop makes it harder for larger predators to break in. Smaller burrowing predators like rats, mice, and snakes also will have a harder time accessing an elevated coop. These rodents won’t feel comfortable building nests in the open space under the coop.

Moisture Control

Keeping moisture under control is another key reason coops are often built off the ground. Excess moisture can lead to rot and mold which are unhealthy for chickens.

If a coop sits directly on wet ground or soil that doesn’t drain well, the constant moisture contact can cause wood floors to degrade faster. An elevated coop allows air circulation underneath which keeps the floor drier.

Areas prone to flooding are especially problematic for ground-level coops. A raised coop helps prevent flood waters from saturating the coop floor and walls. The increased airflow also helps keep ammonia levels lower in the coop by drying out the litter and droppings faster.

Easy Access

An elevated coop with the floor 2-4 feet off the ground is much easier to access and clean out. You don’t have to bend over or crouch down. Simply open the door and rake or shovel out the dirty litter into a wheelbarrow or bucket.

Collecting eggs from raised nest boxes is also easier without having to stoop down. The reduced physical strain is helpful for those who can’t bend easily like seniors or those with back problems.

Space Efficiency

Elevating the coop creates usable space underneath that essentially expands the outdoor run size. Chickens can safely occupy this covered space. It’s especially helpful in smaller yards where run space is limited.

You can even add amenities like dust bathing areas with sand under the coop. Hanging feed and water in this protected area frees up space inside the coop while keeping supplies shaded and dry.

Temperature Regulation

A coop raised off the cold ground benefits from increased airflow circulating underneath that better regulates interior temperatures. The air circulation provides cooling airflow in hot weather and helps insulate against cold from the ground in winter.

The space underneath also gives chickens a shady escape from the sun on overly hot days. Simply adding a tarp enclosure around 2-3 sides provides even greater protection from sun and wind.

Less Maintenance

A raised coop requires less frequent floor replacements from moisture damage. The added airflow also keeps the litter drier which means less frequent full coop cleanouts.

An elevated coop is also easier to clean out as mentioned earlier. The reduced time and physical strain of coop maintenance is a nice benefit.

Entry Access

Elevating the coop also prevents snow or rain from blocking the entryway. Chickens can come and go without trudging through deep snow or mud.

You’ll avoid having to continually shovel out the pathway to the coop door after each snowfall or heavy rain.

Level Site Not Needed

Finally, for the coop owner, an elevated coop avoids the need to level and prepare the ground surface. Leveling and grading a site for a ground-level coop takes work.

With a raised coop, you simply need relatively flat ground to place the support posts or feet. The natural terrain doesn’t have to be perfectly flattened and graded.

How High Off The Ground?

Typically, most elevated chicken coops are built between 1-4 feet high off the ground. Consider these factors when deciding on coop height:

• 1 foot is usually high enough to deter small rodents from nesting underneath

• 2-3 feet high allows easy access without excessive bending for cleaning/collecting eggs

• Over 3 feet may be needed if designing a floor that drops open for cleaning

• Make sure the entry height works for your chickens to access using ramps or stairs

The right height depends on your coop design, location, and predator threats. Start on the lower end around 1-2 feet and go higher if issues arise.

Building An Elevated Coop

If building your own elevated coop, the simplest design uses 4×4 posts buried 1-2 feet in the ground and anchored with concrete. Connect floor joists across the tops of the posts and enclose the walls and roof framing above that.

An alternate option is skids – long 4×4 runner boards that elevate the floor and serve as the base for attaching the walls. Skids make it easy to relocate the coop if needed.

Be sure to secure the flooring to seal up any gaps so rodents can’t squeeze underneath the coop from below. A chicken ramp or stairs give the flock access.

Add cross bracing between the corner posts, skids or floor joists to prevent racking and shifting of the coop over time.

Conclusion

Elevating a chicken coop off the ground requires a bit more initial effort and material cost. However, the long-term benefits of improved access, reduced maintenance, extra space, temperature control, predator protection and moisture resistance easily justify the extra upfront investment.

The ideal coop height balances the needs of the chickens and the caretaker. For most backyard flocks, sitting the coop floor 2-3 feet off the ground provides the best set of advantages. Give your flock added security and weather protection by joining the trend of building your next chicken coop up off the ground.

A chicken coop should typically be raised at least 12 inches (1 foot) off the ground to help protect chickens from predators, improve ventilation, and keep the coop dry.